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phippsmr's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Infidelity, Eating disorder, Classism, Car accident, Cancer, Alcoholism, Addiction, and Abortion
rinnykitty's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is book I definitely read at the wrong time, but ultimately I loved reading it. I'm a big fan of "rich people drama", not sure why but its my cup of tea. I'm a sucker for petty drama and gossip, I'm reality TV watching trash so that may be why. I loved the characters, the interaction between them, their flaws and background. This book is centered around a mom group, one that honestly I would love to be friends with. They stood up for each other when necessary, and there was a lot of laughs in this book despite dark subject matter.
Loved it all.. up until the big reveal. This is why I said I probably read it at the wrong time.I just recently started ADHD medication after 8 years fighting for my diagnosis to be treated, being told by countless doctors that adderall isn't much else than a "addictive party drug". Anyway, even though I'm the best I've ever felt, not the best time to be slapped with a reveal that paints an ADHD man and her sister as the villains with their "evil speed pills".
Gwen's brother Teddy develops an ADHD medicine met to be a "cure", but after that plan tanks Gwen decides to use it for nefarious purposes, disguising it as a vitamin. I honestly feel like it would've went better differently.. I dont know, maybe it's just me but ADHD meds get enough villainization, even though the bigger part is the problem of secretly drugging moms. Maybe it could've I dont know.. just not be a medication that's helpful but gets an annoying amount of negative criticism. Like cocaine? Meth? Something?
Also, wanted to mention the fact Vicki wasn't really affected by it. I was thinking it was because she might've not been neurotypical (thus not getting the "manic" effect), but it was never explained. That's just my thought on it.
Anyway, I know it's stupid to take off 1.25 stars only because I *happened* to read it at a bad time and probably would think differently if I read it a year from now (which is why it's only one star and two, because I'm just being a little whiny bitch baby right now), but eh, it is what it is. I'm also the type of person who's really generous with my star ratings since anything I enjoy deserves a lot of praise in my opinion.
Do I suggest this book? Yes, all in all it was a fun page turner.
Loved it all.. up until the big reveal. This is why I said I probably read it at the wrong time.
Gwen's brother Teddy develops an ADHD medicine met to be a "cure", but after that plan tanks Gwen decides to use it for nefarious purposes, disguising it as a vitamin. I honestly feel like it would've went better differently.. I dont know, maybe it's just me but ADHD meds get enough villainization, even though the bigger part is the problem of secretly drugging moms. Maybe it could've I dont know.. just not be a medication that's helpful but gets an annoying amount of negative criticism. Like cocaine? Meth? Something?
Also, wanted to mention the fact Vicki wasn't really affected by it. I was thinking it was because she might've not been neurotypical (thus not getting the "manic" effect), but it was never explained. That's just my thought on it.
Anyway, I know it's stupid to take off 1.25 stars only because I *happened* to read it at a bad time and probably would think differently if I read it a year from now (which is why it's only one star and two, because I'm just being a little whiny bitch baby right now), but eh, it is what it is. I'm also the type of person who's really generous with my star ratings since anything I enjoy deserves a lot of praise in my opinion.
Do I suggest this book? Yes, all in all it was a fun page turner.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Drug use, Vomit, and Alcoholism
Minor: Excrement, Abortion, and Car accident
This book is not in first person but each chapter switches the character it focuses upon, going into background info and their daily life. Some of their childhoods contain moderate dark subject matter. As well as their relationship with their husbands. Some are in good marriages, others can be described as "toxic" in my opinion.
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